“Build the brand and they will come.” I would like to believe it’s that easy, but luckily I have my bestie, seasoned in marketing, telling me that’s not the case. Let me tell you, Thesaurus.com is very possibly the best part of the internet. It has allowed me to refine my voice.
All jokes aside, I did say “yes” to the opportunity of expanding my brand with the hope of inspiring a broader reach of equally inspiring women and men. We hope each of you find a new way to be a part of the J. Landa community/team/family/tribe. We are confident that through this fresh lens lies our ability to stir excitement in you.
We will share ways to have fun with jewelry, making each piece your own, suggest styling tips and instill a confidence in you that will last a lifetime. We’ll also talk about food, travel, family, spirituality – hot topics that we’re definitely qualified to write about… plus we Google and consume media and pop culture around here like there’s no tomorrow . Who knows what the next conversation will be!
To speak on the product a bit and not to toot my own horn, but the design approach is elevated and I have kept you all in mind when creating not just pieces, but investments. My biggest desire as a designer is to have you connect with the pieces and hopefully learn more about my design process and myself along this journey.
Welcome to the ever-evolving culture and lifestyle of J. Landa – we hope you enjoy!
]]>We think of our #nevertakeoff pieces as our core. They never come off our body... and just as easily add a little something sexy to a second-skin dress as they remind you of just how sexy you are (or can be) while sweating off the cals from a mimosa-heavy morning.
They're your closest confidants. It's the 14k gold key necklace that's been on every bad date, every good date and every is-this-a-date-is-this-not-a-date in between. It's the 14k gold diamond bar ring with just enough glitz to allow for an uninterrupted gym session. We're not judging. It's the 14k gold bar studs that subtly draw the line between you (the bad B) and everyone else (basic Bs)... or the 14k gold lariat that subtly announces your bad B status.
They've been everywhere with you and often mean the most. These are your lifetime pieces. You simply don't EVER take them off! They represent you and what you're made of - Elegant... Sexy... and Chic.
With a lifetime full of experience comes a number of #nevertakeoff pieces. So, don't be afraid to layer every piece that means something to you, or wear that one piece that speaks to the woman you are -#dragitout and tell your story!
Back to the jewelry and story-telling…
Everyone has a story.
Every story, like every style changes and evolves, grows older, builds and reinvents.
Of course we keep in mind our client comes in for A) a reason (birthday, anniversary, they’re treating themselves…) B) the season (bright, colorful summer pieces for an upcoming beach vacay vs. a statement cuff or choker for the cooler seasons) or C) for a lifetime/core piece (that pair of champagne diamond earrings they saw a few months back and slept on it…, or that 14k gold necklace that they will #nevertakeoff)...
The J. Landa client comes back for a very specific reason apart from purchasing… the honesty. Without further ado – a few honest opinions to consider when layering…
DO
What YOU like
The only second opinion you need is your own
DON’T
Be Trendy
Your timing is most likely off
DO
Balance/Enhance
Find a focal point and balance everything else around it.
Enhance what you have to work with. You wouldn’t cut and color your hair before your wedding day would you? Subtle additions to a great group of pieces will add the oomph you’re looking for. Don't be afraid to "drag-it-out"!
DO
Tell YOUR story
Not someone else’s. Let others inspire your story, not tell it.
#whatsyourstory is exactly that---find your individual style.
DON’T
Copy
If you’re not the one taking the test you’re not learning.
Which is why we're experts to help you find the right reason/season/ lifetime piece that will complete your story.
DO
Be confident, above all
In your style and your story.
Be a BadB... we know it's in there!
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If you haven't heard of Night Court, a quick look at their Facebook page here will tell you a bit about the group. After meeting them all and seeing how truly kind these people are, I can only attempt to tell you a bit about them myself. Night Court is composed of lawyers from various law firms around Houston and they put on a performance at the Hobby Center to raise money for local charities. These charities provide free legal services to those in need and really is a great thing that these lawyers do in their small amount of free time. In the 20 years that they've been doing this, they have raised over $875,000.
A percentage of last night's proceeds were also donated to Night Court for their recipient grants.
This years performance is titled Lawyer Mania: A Hard Day's Night, inspired by the Beatles. Opening night is August 19th and the show will last through the weekend. Y'all should mark your calendars now... don't wanna miss it!
xoxo
J.
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Sometimes we find ourselves in a place where words don't flow so easily or descriptions don't do an experience justice. Those that know me realize it's not common bc I am a talker, but Tulum left me mystified. From experiencing the amazing early sunrise atop the vista at the crest of Nohoch Mul Pyramid - to the reverse of holy shit how do I get down and the guttural laugh of one butt bump at a time to the ethereal experience of floating through the top layer of a cenote! The trip had emotions on all levels. I've found it more difficult to write about than I expected because the words reveal an honesty I'm not used to sharing freely....
One of the main reasons we visited Tulum was the "call" of spiritually. My fabulous dragged-out girlfriend from NYC has been blabbing about the healers forever and the amazing food scene. She threatened mysticism, chanting, yoga, and even dancing naked under the full moon. Well, I listened and we did it all! ... And once the mind opened - some crazy good flowed to begin my latest collection rightfully named TULUM. It was hard to resist the beauty of the water and culture. I wanted my collection to represent all that healed me from the trip. Eco lodging, the temezcal, incredible massages and the cuisine would affect my design aesthetic for Tulum.
You'll see the luminous and beautiful hues of blue in the turquoise and lapiz stones that are ambitiously represented in every piece I designed. My vision is that my clients would wear the collection and be transported to their favorite beach or Summer destination.
Layer-away and Drag-it-out with one or several of the Tulum Collection pieces...And feel the breeze of the ocean and the sounds of the jungle that helped inspired it.
xoxoxo
j
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When I say "we", I am referring to my team here at J. Landa, my friends and my family. All here to help me reach the goal I have of growing, supporting and fostering the J. Landa Brand. It will continue to be an adventure and I am very excited to have you all here every step of the way!
xoxo,
Jay
]]>As many of you know, I have spent the last several years evolving the store and the J.Landa collection--falling in love with DT, raising Moe and allowing a deeper journey transpire. One of the discoveries made in this latest chapter, was the distinct realization that travel is at the root of what inspires me creatively. So, as we kick off 2015, I have committed to a series of adventures --- of both self discovery and creativity.
The first excursion begins February 21 in Tulum Mexico--have you ever been? Don't let me miss out on a thing!!!! Share your favorite restaurant tip, daytime excursion, handmade cocktail or yoga class.
I will be blogging, posting, and documenting ---so join me as I take a yoga class on the beach at sunrise, eat my way through this incredible village, and visit with locals to get inspiration for my Summer Collection. Remember, it's almost "bikini-jewelry" time!
Open your arms T U L U M ! ;-)
There I meet with the designers, like Chan Luu, Alexis Bittar, Zoe Chicco, Simon Sebbag, Uno de 50 and many others to see what they're planning and showing in the Spring. The fun part is that they are all friends, and we catch-up on personal too. In that moment we exchange ideas on creative and plan potential events in-store for 2015.
Usually, I don't have a real plan for my own collection till I begin to filter the colors and the energy I see and read in the latest mags and postings.
I then create an inspirational board with my favorite pics and colors to begin the creative process.
Another great moment in NYC is to meet-up with great artisans from all over the world such as Nepal, Tibet, Indian and Turkey... I sift thru their beautiful handcrafted jewelry and start to curate a nice collection to bring and share with my clients. I'm calling the J Landa Grand Bazzar!
To make the experience event better, I got to spend some valuable time with my Mother and sisters.. shopping, talking, and eating our way through NYC!
Stay tuned to see latest pieces and J Landa Spring Collection!
xoxo
J.
THANK YOU!! Erika and my partner Daniel for arranging the perfect Annual 40ish Birthday in NYC.
Why my "Annual 40ish?" you ask? Because after my 40th a few years ago...I didn't quite want to celebrate any other birthdays! ;-) However, this year it was quite a surprise to be in NYC and celebrate the occasion with my NYC family in a very J. Landa-style soiree'! Dinner took place at L'Artusi in The Village. It was quite the party...and I felt truly blessed to have the most amazing partner and friends. Enjoy the pics.
This year we held our annual charity event at Nouveau Art Bar in Midtown and we were pleased with the turn-out!
Being one of the board members, I was able to chair the silent auction this year! Proud to say this was one of the most successful auctions in Lost Pawses history. Donations this year ranged from a Canadian survival kit, week in South Florida, facials and botox, to one of a kind diamonds donated by my J. Landa Fine Collection. It was a great party and I was grateful to see my friends and colleagues supporting something so dear to my heart!
Moe is the brand ambassador of my store, without him I don't think we would smile as much! Also to see everyone generously donating their time and money to support the animals of Houston makes me proud. I just wanted to thank all the other fab board members and everyone who generously participated!
Without them we wouldn't have had such a successful event! We look forward to next year!
xoxo
J.
Be prepared to see more fabulous pieces curated for us. We are in talks of another Trunk Show during the Spring! Stay tuned.
xoxo
J.
It was great fun to attend this year's Dress for Success event in Houston. I chose to be an underwriter this year, as I believe strongly in their mission: One woman, one suit, one job can change the world! The organization is lead by Nancy and Lauren Levicki, mother/daughter duo, who are strong leaders in the community and really do understand the importance of woman and their transition into the workforce.
I had the pleasure of touring their amazing facility with Chan Luu last year and was blown away with not only the architecture but the unbelievable state-of-the-art technology and group of talented woman who help lead their mission.
This year their event had women chefs showcasing their cuisine and the food was amazing! Stations of food were displayed through out the facility representing local restaurants such as Coppa Osteria, Brasserie 19, Punks Seafood, and Shade. The weather cooperated and the outdoor terrance was a great spot to dine alfresco.
xoxo
J.
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Through our blogging event I stumbled onto a fabulous artist and blogger who resides in San Francisco. Besides being a fashion and lifestyle blogger he is also a great painter. I loved his work and passion for all things vintage... It was clear that he would be the person to help bring my "DIVA de Los Muertos" sugar skull girl come to life!
"I always have a goal to create something beautiful and intricate, I love art where you can discover something new and fabulous every time you look at it", Ryan says. After a few skype conversations Ryan knew what my vision was for my upcoming RICHARD SCHMIDT TRUNK SHOW in October and how to capture the energy of Catrina (sugar skull girl) in a more contemporary setting!
"I've never illustrated sugar skull make-up so I looked towards old photographs and day of the dead costumes. Living life in vivid color was definitely my motto when creating this piece", say Ryan. And vivid color, was indeed, the result of this fabulous Sugar Skull girl! The DIVA in de Los Muertos came to life even more when Ryan added the fabulous squash blossom and sterling silver and turquoise earrings on her! You can also see the Houston skyline in the art piece as well.. Look closely!
Now the invitation is complete and the collaboration was a success! We also decided to print Ryan's beautiful masterpiece on T-shirts for our RICHARD SCHMIDT event, and giving proceeds of the T-shirt sales to Casa Esperanza.
Thanks Ryan Castaneda for your artistic expression and capturing the beauty of my DIVA!
Click here to check out more of Ryan's Blog and our collaboration!
Also Follow Ryan on Instagram: thelittle_king
xoxo
J.
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Being from Texas, I have always liked to help support other local artists. Understanding what it means to design my own collection and knowing that there is always something new to learn; discovering designers that fit our brand is always exciting.
A collaboration that my team and I are thrilled to announce is with La Grange based jewelry designer and silversmith, Richard Schmidt. I first met Richard this summer when I was visiting his store in La Grange. After taking a tour and learing where he got all of his inspiration I understand that even though we came from different backgrounds we were cut from the same cloth.
Growing up in McAllen I was surrounded by the culture of the Virgen de Guadalupe, saints, crosses, churchs, etc. I was enticed to do a collaboration with him because of his multi-genertaion Texas esthetic, folkoric influences, and of course his hammered metal technique. JUST in time for the end of October, with a collection based around Dia De Los Muertos, history, and religion it will be a mix of sophistication and Texas. Our customers love an unique one-of-a-kind piece which is why Richard is adding 14K gold and semi - precious stones to his already one-of-a-kind pieces that are made esepcially for our store and this event. Staying true to our roots, I belive that this collaboratin will be a mix of Texas charm and modern influence.
These pieces will be wearable with your denim and boots but also with your going out or work attire as well. I am proud to extend my name from the big city to a historic town.
Expanding beyond the lavish, luxury, lifestyle of diamonds and gemstones we are creating this #whatsyourstory with complete intention of taking Texas by storm.
xoxo
J.
This fall there is alot of new and exciting things going on in-store! Our grand re-opening was one year ago this month, the launch of this new blog 'Raising Moe', the launch of our Nomad Collection, and J Landa-Fine.
The Nomad Collection is as unique as Houston; a melting pot of colors, textures, and style. I was inspired by all wandering souls that find inspiration in all that is bright and beautiful! Each piece is one-of-a-kind and speaks to each person differently; with just one necklace or several to complete the loook.
This week we took this collection to a whole new level...modernizing it and creating our J. Landa story.
My girls and I spent the afternoon at my home in Southampton, near the store, shooting our new Fall campaign using the Nomad Collection and showing how our jewelry is not just jewels but a lifestyle too. Our saying in the store is, 'affordable luxury.' Adding our diamonds to our layering necklaces turn these pieces into a look that will get you stopped on the streets, while also being afforable.
The most important thing about the Fall 2014 collection is to show people that no color is out! Winter-white is in, and orange, labradorite, and hot pink are our new staples. This shoot was important to me because we needed a visual for our customers to see that not matter if you're a working mom, at the office, or getting ready for a night-out you can be comfortable and sexy at the same time. Everyone will fall in love with these new pieces no matter what your sytle!
Don't take jewelry to seriously, it is all about fun. We want diamonds to be wearbable for everyone going any where at any time.
Don't hide your diamonds in the closets waiting for speical occasions! Our mix of oxidized silver and champagne colors make them perfect for a white tee and jeans!
I also want to thank Azuz Boutique for lending us their fabulous fall clothing line. It helped complete our vision for the shoot! Mely Cruz for our fabulous makeup and hair, Phoebe Rourke our amazing photographer, and Paola our beautiful model!
Luxury as a lifesytle is a staple here in the store and nothing proves that more than this fab photo shoot! My team and I wanted to show you our, 'behind the scenes,' look. Hope you enjoy..more to come soon!!
xoxo
J.
As we approach FALL/ HOLIDAY.. we prepare the store for Holiday jewelry! So we need room for more fabulous jewelry. All our clients are super excited to take advantage of pre-holiday buying and more so that pieces that do not really ever go on SALE...are on SALE this day!
ALL your favorite designers: CHAN LUU, UNO de 50, ALEXIS BITTAR, DOGEARED, GILES and BROTHER, and many more... including our private J Landa-Fine jewelry line.
Don't miss out... It's going to be fun. Plus: skinny margaritas from AMAZON Grille. Slurp.
Annual ONE DAY SALE!
Everything in the store will be on SALE that day only.
September 18. 2014 10am-6pm
Margaritas 4-6pm
xoxo
J.
]]>Are you ready for the Dian Malouf Fall Collection Trunk Show!
We are so excited to see the newest, and latest in sterling silver, gold, and diamonds.
Expect to see new stones and beautiful new silver chains. You definitely do not want to miss this event.
Dian Malouf knows are clients and what they really want... We expect nothing less.
Trunk Show Dates: Aug 27-28, 2014
We can't hardly wait to introduce these beauties to our Tribal Collection-- a curated collection of pieces from all over the world. Let us bring Tibet, India, Vietnam, and other exotic locales to you!
xoxo
J.
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What is your story? Everyone has an individual style and that will sometimes depend on mood, comfort level, and function. Feeling happy and excited, look at the explosion of gems, and stones in the images below. ALL makes a fabulous arm-party! Choose your story thru jewelry and don't hold yourself back... Express yourself!
xoxo
J.
Peekaboo Trend Now At J. Landa!
xoxo
J.
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One of our favorite Spanish designers, UNO de 50, will debul their Spring Collection exclusively at J Landa.
In addition, we are expecting "retired pieces" ...so don't miss our event.
A collection full of magic. Great new colored stones, and crystals in their necklaces, and bracelets.
Turquoise jewelry is a staple at J Landa all year round!
We LOVE American Indian jewelry. The story behind every piece is especially fascinating to us. Our American Indian collection is a well-edited and curated group that we take pride in buying directly from the various Native American artists through-out the Southwest.
Whether you wear it with a tee or formally, turquoise jewelry is a classic look.
Every designer in the store: Alexis Bittar, Chan Luu, Dogeared, Dian Malouf, and Uno de 50 use turquoise in their collections. Even in our high-end J Landa Fine Jewelry collection with champagne diamonds you'll see turquoise represented.
Keep it Local. Keep-it in Texas is our next campaign featuring Texas-based jewelry designer Richard Schmidt. We fell totally in love with Richard Schmidt's handcrafted collection that is inspired by the beauty of Texas. His pieces are traditional in it's design and can be worn also in a current setting.
J.
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We welcome to the store our second collection by Deepa Gurnani, a husband and wife collaboration. Deepa and Jay Lakhani first launched their collection in NYC in 2006. Now the handcrafted beaded accessories are sold worldwide and are now a staple at J. Landa. We love all of Deepa's statement necklaces and earrings. The pieces are affordable and super easy to wear. The necklaces and earrings are great statement pieces for summer and are perfect to throw on with your tee and jeans to look effortlessly chic! These pieces are also great to dress up your favorite little black dress for a night out on the town. Whatever your plans, make Deepa part of your next story!
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We haven't forgotten about you on Father's Day! Our campaign starts now to provide jewelry options for men. It's time to look cool in jewelry. We have many masculine and fashionable looks that are available at J Landa. UNO de 50 has some great link bracelets to choose from, including watches. Chan Luu provides a great variety of leather wraps and single leather bracelets with silver hardware to layer or be worn alone. Our American Indian collection also provides amazing handcrafted turquoise and plain silver cuffs. Lastly let's not forget Giles & Brother who we obsess over their hook wrap or railroad spike cuff in brass or silver. It's Summer --- so let's look cool in jewelry!
]]>How about personalizing your LOOK? We are excited to introduce our #whatsyourstory campaign in June. Champagne diamond charms that give you the personal touch you've been wanting! And, affordable too. Layer-away with these beautifully hand-crafted diamond charms... Hamsa, cross, fleur de lis, tree of life, feather, star... whatever you'd like to add to your story!
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The anticipation for the new Alexis Bittar collection, arriving in July, is high at J. Landa. In preparation we must make some room, everything at 30% off! What a great opportunity to shop and take full advantage of still very current and fabulous pieces at a great discount! We're obsessed with his designs and his talent. Did you know all his pieces are hand-crafted in Brooklyn, NY? Make a statement with Alexis Bittar this Summer.
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It only takes one great piece to make a statement! Make your own statement with any of our fabulous J. Landa one-of-a-kind pieces. Layer-away for an easy and epic look from day to night. Whether you're running errands in your skinny jeans and tee, on the beach in a bikini, or heading out in a great cocktail dress...these looks work for any occasion. What's your story?!
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Mother's Day is just around the corner...and every year, we look forward to selling Dian Malouf's handcrafted endearment rings. Mama, Mother, Nana, Madre, and Mamacita are precious stacks to add to her story! Whether she stacks them with other designer jewelry ... or simply worn alone, can make her feel special. Spoil Mom this Mother's Day! Even better, the rings are only $80.
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